Software to record expenses and memories

Submitted: Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 09:03

ThreadID: 87900 Views:2709 Replies:6 FollowUps:15

This Thread has been Archived

Christine H

Hi All. We are soon to set off on our first road trip ever and plan to take a year around Oz. I like to keep everything organised on my laptop and wondering if you can recommend some software to keep track of our expenses and budget? :-)

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 09:42

Reply By: jmeloz - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 09:50

Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 09:50

Hi Christine and good on you for getting out there and seeing this amazing and diverse country that we live in!!

We are in our 8th month out of 12th on the road around Oz. And if i have one word of advice it is .....that it costs twice as much as you think!!! I can't recommend any software but Excel for you to use. I also like to use my laptop for everything, but I really do just find it alot easier to I just keep track of expenses very simply by budgetting what expenses are required month by month on a notepad and then at the end of the month and during use internet banking to see how we are tracking.

Keep in mind you must expect some unexpected expenses, eg new gearbox, transfer case and clutch!! ouch that one hurt!

Enjoy your trip

Julia

AnswerID: 461472

Follow Up By: Christine H - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 10:08

Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 10:08

Thanks Julia but a bit scarey to think it might cost us twice as much as planned. We have purchaed a used, off-road van with 3 solar panels and 4 batteries and hope to get free accommodation here and there. Do you think my budget looks reasonable?
Maintenance & Repairs $ 6,000
Accommodation $ 8,500
Fuel $ 9,000
Food $ 7,500
Extra Tours / Sundries $ 3,000
Health Insurance $ 3,000
Phones / Storage $ 3,000
$ 40,000
How does this compare with your reality?

FollowupID: 735137

Follow Up By: Member - sassenach.girl (QLD) - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 17:55

Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 17:55

Hi Christine,

We are off on a trip around Oz for 7 months next year and have budgeted around $750 per week for 2A2C. We will be free-camping around 50% of the time.

I think (from memory) our budget is:

Fuel $8,000
Accommodation $6,500
Food $4,700
Sightseeing/Extras $3,100

Plus we have the added expenses of our mortgage, health insurance, car insurances etc, which is not included in the above.

I have also used Excel to plan our trip, and will use it to track spending as well. As for all our 'memories', I have created a blog to store stories, notes and photos.

Sass.

FollowupID: 735196

Follow Up By: Christine H - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 22:28

Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 22:28

Thanks for the info Sass. My budget works out to be $652 per week purely towards our trip and is just for us 2 adults so it looks like we should be all good and if it's a bit tight, we can free camp more often as we will have the solar and off road capabilities. I hope you have a fantastic trip and again, thanks for the info. :-)

FollowupID: 735235

Follow Up By: didiaust - Tuesday, Aug 02, 2011 at 07:41

Tuesday, Aug 02, 2011 at 07:41

Christine, I noticed health Insurance - can I ask is this a seperate insurance because you are travelling and if so what is it called - is it like international travel insurance but domestic?

Whe have private health cover but now I wonder if we need to take out more if we take off

Di

FollowupID: 735259

Follow Up By: Christine H - Tuesday, Aug 02, 2011 at 08:57

Tuesday, Aug 02, 2011 at 08:57

Hello Di. I was just referring to our private health cover with MBF (I think) and can't really thihnk of anything more we would need as we are covered for hospital and extras.
The cover is quite extensive though because if you are in a remote place and require medical treatment, they apparently pay out for your transport to a hospital and may even pay something towards accommodation but I can't quite remember all the details.
It wouldn't hurt to call your insurer and ask them about what they suggest for people travelling and make sure you have everything such as transport included.
Be safe and well. :-)